Jill Meagher photo: police apologise for showing crime scene shot at fundraiser

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/28/jill-meagher-photo-police-apologise

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Victoria police have apologised to the family of Jill Meagher after a crime scene photo of the murdered ABC worker was shown at a fundraising event.

Detective senior sergeant Ron Iddles, a homicide veteran with 30 years’ experience in the force, showed several graphic photos of Meagher’s body at a prostate cancer fundraising lunch in Bendigo last Friday.

According to Fairfax reports, Iddles was giving a speech about the rigours of his job as he showed pictures of Meagher, who was raped and murdered in Melbourne in September last year by serial rapist Adrian Bayley.

The images, reportedly of a semi-naked Meagher in a shallow grave, caused several members of the 400-strong gathering to turn their heads away.

Acting deputy commissioner of Victoria police Steve Fontana said he was “saddened” that a speech delivered at a charity fundraiser will have caused “further emotional anguish for the family”.

“This was an unfortunate error of judgment and my sincere apologies are extended to Jill's family, friends, the community, and in particular, to her husband, Tom,” he said.

“Senior sergeant Ron Iddles has been one of Victoria police's most dedicated and hard-working detectives for more than 30 years.

“Few wearing the uniform have been more committed and loyal in their service of the community.”

Fontana added that Victoria police had banned all further public presentations on operational matters until “some appropriate protocols have been developed”.

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